Surprise Lately • May 15, 2026

Added: 2026-05-18

[00:00:07]Hi, I'm Nicole. And I'm Virginia.

[00:00:09]Welcome to Surprise Lately. Construction has officially started on the city's first police substation. This very special milestone was commemorated with a groundbreaking ceremony on May 12th.

[00:00:20]The nearly 32,000 ft substation will be located in northwest Surprise at the northwest corner of 163rd Avenue and Sanro Road. It is designed to accommodate approximately 60 sworn officers and civilian support personnel and will function as a fully equipped operational hub supporting patrol investigations and community policing functions. I think back to the day when I started in ' 07 as patrol officer cruising down 163rd and there was nothing out here and never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined that we'd have a police substation out here and to see the amount of growth that we've had out it's just tremendous and so this has been a long time coming. It's something that our residents need and something that we're able to provide and just an increase in service it it tremendous opportunity for us. The facility's location has been strategically selected based on service area demand, projected growth patterns, and response time modeling, allowing for more efficient deployment of patrol units, and optimized sector coverage by reducing travel distances and improving geographic distribution of resources.

[00:01:24]The substation will help maintain target response times while increasing proactive policing capacity. This new substation will ensure that emergency response times are maintained and that our police department is truly embedded in our community, not just in emergencies, but in the everyday moments. And as we break ground today, we are ensuring that we match our commitments not just with words, but with action.

[00:01:50]>> Yeah. I mean, public safety is is first and foremost. If we don't have a safe city, there's not much else that we can do. And so, it's it's important that we have these projects. is important that we continue to look out into the future and and make sure that we're um you know just building the city that we want to build at the and it takes timing and we're a young city and we're trying to continue to grow and and battle with the growth and resources and so this just shows our commitment to that. The substation design incorporates dedicated spaces for report writing, briefings, evidence processing, police officer wellness, and public art, reinforcing both operational efficiency and opportunities for direct interaction between the officers and the surrounding community. Construction is expected to be completed in fall 2027. This project was made possible through bond funding approved by the voters of Surprise.

[00:02:37]The Surprise City Council approved the city's fiscal year 2027 tenative budget at their May 5th meeting, which focuses revenue increases on public safety needs. While revenues increased year-over-year, they're not keeping pace with the rising costs of maintaining current service levels across all areas.

[00:02:56]As a result, the city is making difficult but necessary decisions to create a balanced budget. Some programs and services will be reduced or eliminated based on their alignment with the city's core mission, community impact and financial sustainability.

[00:03:11]Consistent with city council's top priority, the majority of this year's general fund budget increase is dedicated to public safety, including 13 new public safety positions. Capital projects include a police substation and a fire station in North Surprise. A public hearing and council's final budget adoption is scheduled for the June 2nd special city council meeting.

[00:03:34]You can also follow the budget process at surpriseaz.gov/budget.

[00:03:40]The city is gearing up for another season of adult softball, basketball, and volleyball leagues. Registration is now open for the leagues that start in July. This is for team registration, not individual registration. For softball, men's leagues will play Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Women's leagues will play Thursdays and co-ed will be Fridays and Sundays. For basketball, league night is Tuesdays. And for indoor volleyball, women's league will play Thursdays and co-ed will play Sundays. Register online at surpriseaz.gov/supriserec in person at the parks and recreation office or by calling 623222000.

[00:04:17]A fun day of off-roading became a scary situation for two local teens. But some quick thinking and brave action were able to change the outcome.

[00:04:28]>> You know, it's not every day that we get to gather here and um you know, kind of talk about, you know, positive outcomes.

[00:04:38]>> So, we're here. We had a call for a uh ATV accident. Um for when we got in the truck, we got information it was a a teenage male that had uh injured his arm. All right. Me and Aiden, it was a little bit before me and him went out on ATVs and uh quads. I was trying to do donuts and I was doing them and I went on the side of the on the side of the dish I had created with the tire and I flipped it. I rushed over there and at first I didn't think it was anything serious and then as I was trying to flip the quad the razor back over I saw blood dripping. Dom quickly got the car off of him and he took his shirt off. He wrapped it around his arm to lessen the bleeding >> by his actions and and wrapping it up.

[00:05:28]Stop stop the bleed like like we talk about like we we preach is is what we need to happen until we can get there and make an evaluation and and continue on that treatment that he started.

[00:05:39]again, just the fact that you were stepping in there without even that much of formal training um just really speaks volumes to who you are. Um the courage that you showed and just the selfless character that you know you must have.

[00:05:52]So uh without further ado, I want to present a an award to you. It's a citizen of courage award and it has your name on it there, Dominic. We just want to um you know recognize and and encourage others to do the exact same thing you did which was was a very brave act that day. So Dominic Medina and Niden >> been I've been around the fire service for for several years and and uh these are few and far between. So we like to uh take the opportunity to honor those that that step in. I am so grateful for Dom and I'm so grateful for the surprise medical team and firefighters for literally saving my son's life.

[00:06:41]>> It's impressive that Dominic knew how to stop the bleeding to help his friends.

[00:06:45]Yes, and it's a skill we should all know. If you're interested in learning more about stop thebleleed techniques, Surprise Fire Medical has free classes available. Just visit surpriseaz.gov/firefirst Fridays to learn more.

[00:06:58]If you're interested in becoming a firefighter and you're 18 or older, our on deck program is a great way to meet, interact, and even train with Surprise Fire Medical Department members. The program offers monthly meetups that provide a no pressure way to learn more about a career in the fire service, gain insights into the testing process, and get a great workout. The program offers monthly meetups that provide a no pressure way to learn more about a career in the fire service, gain insights into the testing process, and get a great workout. The next meeting is Thursday, May 21st from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Fire Station 308 on Cactus Road just east of Lichfield Road. Advanced registration is encouraged so staff can plan for attendance levels and have your participation waiver on file. For more information and to register, visit surpriseaz.gov/on deck.

[00:07:53]As we move towards the high temperatures of summer, it is important to stay cool.

[00:07:58]For those who find themselves without shelter, temporarily overheated, or with downed air conditioning, the city offers heat relief stations. Through September 30th, Surprise has several locations providing free hydration and indoor refuge stations for those needing a place to cool off. Locations include Surprise Resource Center, Holly Hawk Library, Surprise Regional Library, Asante Library, and the Salvation Army Northwest Valley Corps. These locations are part of the heat relief network which is a regional initiative to prevent heat related illnesses and deaths. The Maricopa Association of Governments coordinates an interactive map with more than 200 locations countywide where people can find indoor cooling and respit centers, hydration stations, or donation sites. The network is available at azmag.gov/heatreief.

[00:08:45]Looking to enjoy the arts and the outdoors while the weather is still cool enough? We have our final Live at Asante concert of the season coming up on May 21st at 600 p.m. outside Asante Library.

[00:08:58]This free concert will feature rock and roll music by Fault Line. Bring your lawn chair, your friends, and your family for a fun evening of entertainment. Plus, food trucks will be on site with delicious eats for purchase. Although the outdoor concerts will pause for the summer, arts events continue. Don't forget to purchase your tickets for Dry Bar Comedy Live at the Vista Center for the Arts on June 6th.

[00:09:21]Just head to surprisearts.com for information on that show and all the upcoming arts happenings in Surprise.

[00:09:30]Well, that's our show for today, but we'll see you twice a month with stories about what's been happening in Surprise lately. Watch for new episodes on social media, the Surprise TV cable channel, and online at surpriseaz.gov/suprisetv.

[00:09:43]On behalf of the city of Surprise, thanks for catching up with us.